AESG expands into Australasia with new office in Sydney
International engineering and advisory group AESG has expanded into ANZ with the launch of a new office in Sydney.
The move marks AESG’s entry into the Australian market, and positions Sydney as the headquarters for its Australasian ambitions. Australia extends the firm’s footprint to six countries – established 14 years ago in the United Arab Emirates, AESG has since then also established hubs in the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
“We are proud to bring our world-class service portfolio to Australia. This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for us to contribute to Australia’s development and tackle the challenges and opportunities in this vibrant market,” said Saeed Al Abbar, CEO of AESG.
AESG is an engineering consultancy for the built environment. The company supports its clients with services such as engineering, building, urban planning, infrastructure, security, fire and life safety, and acoustics. AESG also has a consulting business, providing advisory around project setup and delivery, cost management, and environmental topics.
Al Abbar said that in Australia, AESG will place strong focus on its sustainability portfolio, supporting developers and builders with their ambitions towards net-zero solutions and energy-efficient buildings.
The local team will also seek to carve a share of the regulatory space. From fiscal year 2025 onwards, a large number of construction industry players will be required to comply with the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards, a legislation that will force businesses to report on the impact of their operations on the climate, as well as the impact a changing climate will have on their business.
On the ground team
Appointed to lead the venture in Australia are Devan Valenti, who was instrumental in the development of the Green Star Buildings Rating now embraced by Australian property developers, and Brent Ridgard, who previously served as National Director of Environmental Assessment & Planning at WSP.
Valenti will lead the local team in Sydney, with recruitment already well underway. “By placing our industry experts on the ground, with their years of international experience yearned from working on some of the world’s most demanding development undertakings, we hope to infuse the market with global best practices and fresh perspectives,” he said.
In a dual role, Valenti will also lead AESG’s sustainability initiatives in the region. “Australia’s dedication to sustainable development presents a unique and compelling landscape. Our goal is to blend international best practices with local insights to drive impactful, sustainable solutions. I am excited to support Australia’s green building movement and contribute to its ambitious sustainability targets whilst also guiding clients towards net zero and energy efficient solutions.”
Ridgard will oversee and support the local growth from the Middle East, where he is based. He previously led the environmental offerings of WSP in Australia and the Middle East, and served Ramboll, among others.
